German raises concerns over 'Cardiff tick-box'

9.40.24am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 4th Aug 2005

The Assembly Government's Quango merger process could have serious implications for the future of economic development in North Wales, Mike German has warned.

Mr German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and a former Minister for Economic Development, was speaking on ahead of a visit to North Wales, where he will be spending Friday at the Eisteddfod.

Responding to widespread concerns in the North, Mr German claimed that without the WDA and a strong North Walian influence, the Government in Cardiff will fail to take decisions in the interests of the region.

He said:

"The concentration of staff in a Cardiff-based bureaucracy risks losing the fleetness of foot that is needed to respond to North Wales's needs.

"The building of a civil service chain of command to replace the WDA means we are likely to continue losing skilled staff who feel constrained by such a hierarchy.

"We will lose the talent and ability that takes swift and effective decisions on the ground. The WDA, working alongside the local Economic Forum, has a good record for building consensus around business and development decisions made in the North and for the North.

"The civil service hierarchy, with its hoops and loops, has much to commend it but it is not the most effective way of delivering flexible and adaptable services. There is a danger of a Cardiff tick-box appearing on economic development decisions for North Wales.

"The merger will not be a success if straight-jacketed civil servants in Cardiff, under the direction of a failing Minister, are unable to reach out and be flexible in the getting the best deal for North Wales.

"I'm not confident that the Labour Assembly Government fully appreciates the role North Wales plays as an economic driver for the whole country. We have Holyhead in the West and its links to Ireland; the North East offers a strong connection and relationship with North West England. The region is vital for the well-being of the nation's economy.

"Preventing a North-South economic rift must be a priority for Labour in the lead up to, and following, the merger process."